Irrawaddy dolphins functionally extinct in Laos

(KPL) The population of critically endangered Mekong River Dolphins (also known as Irrawaddy Dolphins) in the Cheuteal trans-boundary pool between southern Laos and northern Cambodia has shrunk by 50% this year alone and the population is functionally extinct in Laos, the WWF said on Oct 28, 2016 in Bangkok, Thailand.

WWF survey teams from Laos and Cambodia conducted a dolphin abundance survey and confirmed the current number and breeding status of the dolphins in the trans-boundary pool.

Down to just three individuals – from six just earlier this year – there is now little hope for a reversal of the situation, as the small population is no longer viable. “Functional extinction” results when there are too few potential breeding pairs available to ensure the survival of the population.

The use of gillnets (especially unmanned gillnets) is thought to be one of the main reasons for the demise of the dolphins.

Gillnets are vertical panels of netting set in a straight line across a river to catch fish. Being large aquatic mammals, Mekong River dolphins, as well as other endangered aquatic species, are often caught in gillnets, and drown as a consequence.

The use of gillnets in the Mekong River is prohibited in Cambodia – where there are an estimated 80 dolphins – but not in Laos.

Only the actual deep pool off Hangsadam Village, where the dolphins are, is protected. Gillnets are, however, used directly outside of the pool where the dolphins often swim and risk being trapped.

The WWF calls for an immediate ban on all gillnets for a two kilometers radius around the Cheuteal Pool (4 km in the rainy season) and increased enforcement against violators.

The WWF also calls for increased enforcement of gillnet bans in other Mekong River dolphin pools to protect the remaining dolphin population.“The alarming decline of Mekong Irrawaddy dolphins in Laos that we have witnessed this year is tragic. At this stage, we fear that in a year or two, there may be no more dolphins in Laos,” said Teak Seng, WWF Conservation Director for the Greater Mekong.

“The loss of this iconic species for Laos is even more tragic given that it was entirely preventable through strict enforcement against gillnet fishing.”

The Irrawaddy dolphins in the Mekong River have long been a favorite attraction among travelers and tourists in southern Laos. Their feared disappearance from Lao waters may cause a hard blow to eco-tourism in the area.

Irrawaddy dolphins can be found in some coastal areas in Asia but there are only three freshwater subpopulations: in the Ayeyarwady River in Myanmar, in the Mahakam River in Indonesia, and in the Mekong River in Cambodia and the Lao PDR.